A Top Character and Fitness Attorney in New York

David A. Lewis Law PLLC

Legal Ethics Counsel | Manhattan, NY

A New York Ethics Lawyer for Bar Admissions and Grievance Defense

Protect Your Legal Career With Guidance From New York Ethics Attorney David A. Lewis

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About David

David A Lewis

New York Ethics Attorney David A. Lewis

My Practice 

I exclusively focus on legal ethics, professional responsibility, and character & fitness advice for bar admission candidates.

My Philosophy

Prevention and mitigation are powerful tools.

My Approach

I face each scenario with an open mind—looking for every possibility—and manage risk with a creative and proactive strategy to aim for the best possible outcome.

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How David Can Help

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Bar Admissions

Confidently navigate the New York Bar admissions process, including questions regarding character and fitness.

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Conduct Complaints

Trust New York ethics attorney David A. Lewis to advocate for you against grievances or professional conduct complaints.

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Ethics Advice

Securely handle ethical dilemmas with practical guidance and strategic insights from a seasoned ethics lawyer

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David A. Lewis
10.0David Aaron Lewis
Preeminent

Why Legal Ethics Guidance Is Important

Your work as an attorney is full of difficult choices and high standards of conduct.

The complex rules and expectations associated with the practice of law are not meant to be navigated alone. New York attorneys and aspiring practitioners can benefit from the advice and guidance of their own legal ethics lawyers.

Don’t grapple with ethical dilemmas on your own—call David A. Lewis for experienced legal ethics counsel.

In high-pressure day-to-day legal practice, a professional outside perspective can help you make important decisions and traverse the legal landscape with confidence. Schedule your consultation with David today.

Terrific lawyer and person

 

 

Mr. Lewis has handled the New York legal ethics matter I had entrusted him with to my full satisfaction. He provided candid, effective advice throughout the course of representation. I greatly enjoyed working with him, and recommend Mr. Lewis’ services without reservation to attorneys (or those seeking to become attorneys) facing any legal ethics issue in New York.

An excellent lawyer who practices in the ethics and professional responsibility arena… He has very good judgment and excellent knowledge in the area.

A fine lawyer, with very good judgment and excellent knowledge in the legal ethics and professional responsibility field.

Exceptional judgment, deep experience. I trust him with the most important and sensitive matters.

Experienced lawyer with highly impressive credentials. Highest standards of integrity.

Recognized expert in his field of legal ethics and professional responsibility

Mr. Lewis was was recommended to me by a good attorney friend who had the unfortunate circumstance of requiring Mr. Lewis’ assistance in a long and expensive ethics related litigation. While I have never had a situation quite so dire, I do — with regularity — face situations where ethics guidance is necessary and there is just no substitute for Mr. Lewis’ sage counsel. I’ve relied on Mr. Lewis’ counsel on many occasions and plan to continue to do so for so long as I am in the practice of law.

Powerhouse ethics counsel and very thoughtful; my go-to source for the thorny questions that come up all the time.

David is a knowledgeable, dedicated, and effective attorney. Sensitive to the client’s needs in sometimes delicate matters. Will recommend him without hesitation.

David’s Accolades

Rated 4.8 out of 5 Stars by Peers on Martindale-Hubbell

Former Chair of the Professional Responsibility Committee

Rated by Super Lawyers Magazine for Over a Decade

Superb Rating of 10 on Avvo

Invest in Your Legal Future

Why hire David instead of researching on your own?

As one of New York’s top ethics lawyers, David has served on the committees that shape attorney ethics standards. With real-world experience and a proven track record of resolving similar matters, his practical advice can make all the difference.

Read more about David’s credentials and experience

Bar Admissions

Clients have expressed they hired David over other ethics lawyers for several compelling reasons:

Proven Record

With a long history of focused practice, David has a rare combination of knowledge, experience, and success. David’s insights are based on strategies honed over years of helping clients achieve their goals.

Personalized Attention:

Clients appreciate David’s personalized approach, ensuring they’re not just another file on the desk. As the sole attorney of the practice, David can’t accept work from everyone who reaches out, but his clients receive a tailored experience that larger firms often can't match.

Exceptional Results

Lawyers can’t promise results, but clients’ past success stories speak volumes about David’s ethics law services. David prioritizes his clients’ professional standing and ability to successfully practice law.

Integrity and Compassion:

The character and fitness section of the bar exam is invasive. Clients trust David because he handles their cases with the utmost integrity and compassion.

Attorney Grievance Responses

When faced with an attorney grievance complaint, choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference. Lawyers choose David over other New York ethics attorneys for several critical reasons:

Experience

As a lawyer defending lawyers, David A. Lewis brings a creative and unique perspective to handling attorney grievance proceedings. He is dedicated to protecting clients’ professional reputations with proven strategies refined through extensive experience in this very specific area of law.

Tailored Defense

Each grievance complaint and respondent is unique. David’s clients value a customized defense that considers the nuances of their specific situation.

Proactive Advocacy

David is a proactive ethics lawyer. He works diligently to mitigate potential damages, aiming to resolve issues swiftly and discreetly. He prioritizes maintaining the integrity and continuity of each client’s legal practice.

Ethical and Empathetic Service

Responding to a grievance can be stressful. David approaches each case with empathy and ethical rigor, ensuring clients feel supported.

Whether you’re not sure how to disclose incidents from your past, you’re out of compliance, or you just need guidance, join more than a thousand satisfied clients and protect your legal career with help from New York ethics attorney David A. Lewis.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation

CONTACT DAVID

OR Call 212-951-1819

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to hire a character and fitness lawyer for my application to the New York Bar?

Investing in professional legal assistance can help with the prompt resolution of ethics issues, avoidance of bar admission denial, making the difficult but necessary disclosures to the New York Bar, and (most valued by many) the peace of mind that you are doing everything possible to help protect the significant investment made to further your professional life.

How can David A. Lewis assist me with my character and fitness concerns for the New York Bar?

As a New York ethics attorney, David focuses on navigating the complex character and fitness requirements of the New York Bar. With extensive experience in this field, he provides strategic guidance and robust advocacy to address and resolve any concerns that may arise during your application process. David offers personalized counsel to ensure that every aspect of your background is presented in the most favorable light, thoughtfully preparing you for interviews and follow-up inquiries from the committee. He works to safeguard your professional future and avoid bar admission denial by addressing potential character and fitness issues proactively and effectively.

What character and fitness obstacles have candidates faced during the bar admission process?

Candidates can face potential challenges related to:

  • Prior arrests, criminal charges, and convictions
  • Title IX or other school disciplinary hearings
  • Past school misconduct matters
  • Alcohol or substance-related issues
  • Past educational discipline or suspension
  • Failing to make necessary amendments to law school applications
  • Disclosure of false information on a resume
  • Unauthorized practice of law
  • Cheating
  • Plagiarism
  • Charges brought by the New York Board of Law Examiners (NYBOLE)
  • Termination from employment
  • Academic probation
  • False statements
  • Finding of responsibility for misconduct
  • Assault, Harassment, Theft, DWI, DUI
  • Conduct related to honesty, truthfulness, or fitness to practice law

How can potential obstacles during the character and fitness process be mitigated?

Every case is unique. However, by taking prompt remedial action and with advance planning and creative thinking, you can help demonstrate credibility through a wide range of proactive steps. Seek guidance from experienced ethics and New York Bar Character and Fitness attorney David A. Lewis to help you make the necessary disclosures and mitigate the impact of the obstacles you will face.

How can David A. Lewis assist me if I have received a grievance complaint?

You and David will review a copy of the actual complaint to determine exactly what issues need to be addressed. Sometimes there are critical considerations that are not immediately evident on the face of the page. You and David will collaborate creatively to determine the most effective options for strategy, response, and next steps.

What are common complaints that David A. Lewis has helped clients to navigate in the past?

Attorney Grievance Complaints can take many forms and relate to issues with:

  • Dishonored checks from an attorney trust account
  • “Bounced” check reports from the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection
  • Failure to communicate
  • Unprofessional conduct
  • Attorneys convicted of a crime and required to make a self-report
  • Failure to comply with CLE obligations
  • Attorney registration requirements with the Office of Court Administration
  • Dishonest or misleading conduct
  • Conflict of interest
  • Law-related businesses
  • Unauthorized practice of law
  • Malpractice
  • Missing deadlines
  • Billing disputes
  • Engagement letter and retainer agreement requirements
  • Conduct related to honesty, truthfulness, or fitness to practice law

I am a lawyer, so why can’t I save money and do this myself?

As an experienced attorney focused on ethics and attorney defense, David A. Lewis brings an objective perspective essential for effectively navigating any grievance matter proceedings. He understands the nuances of grievance processes and can advocate on your behalf without the emotional involvement that might cloud judgment. His experience not only helps to preemptively address any unforeseen pitfalls but also ensures a thorough and dispassionate defense, which is crucial when your professional reputation is at stake. Engaging David’s legal services allows you to focus on your practice while he manages the defense, maximizing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

What if the whole complaint is baseless and I have done nothing wrong?

Even if a complaint appears baseless, it is still prudent to get an objective view from an ethics lawyer for your defense. Experience shows that grievance proceedings can sometimes expand beyond the initial allegations, as investigations may uncover or scrutinize other aspects of your practice not originally questioned. David’s knowledge and strategic approach provide crucial foresight and preparation for such possibilities. By representing you, David helps to ensure that your defense is comprehensive and proactive, safeguarding not only against the current complaint but also against potential issues that could arise during the investigative process. This level of preparedness is invaluable, as it can help maintain your professional standing and continue your practice without unforeseen complications.

How can I contact David A. Lewis for assistance?

You can call 212-951-1819 to discuss your situation and schedule a confidential consultation or you can complete the contact form and David will get back to you if you are a good fit for his services.

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